Course Description

This course will meet or exceed all state standards for the U.S. Government high school requirement (see standards below). The class will be highly interactive during class time and students should make every effort to not miss class. The student will leave the class with: A basic understanding of what constitutes human government and how the United States came to be a Constitutional republic; a thorough understanding of the U.S. Constitution, including such concepts as limited government, co-equal branches of government, and checks and balances. The student will learn the difference between government and politics and what it means to be an informed citizen and how to be involved in public service and/or the political realm. In addition to the Notgrass textbook, the class will read from a variety of original sources including essays, speeches, and letters. The class will also read and reflect upon current affairs and have chances to discuss/ debate in class. Students will learn who their elected officials are and how to contact them. Most importantly, the students will be taught from a Christian worldview and will incorporate and analyze the Biblical basis for human government as they study the foundation and growth of our own government.

To be successful in this class:

Students should be mindful that this is a required high school course, aimed at juniors and seniors. Students are expected to complete all reading assignments, take notes in class, and complete all written assignments. Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week on this course (depending on individual student’s pace ) (some days will be more or less depending on the weekly objectives), divided among reading, writing essays/answering written questions, reviewing class notes, and research (when assigned).

Grades: 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Fees: $245 + $5 materials fee

Course Credit: 0.5 social studies (honors)